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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Billion-dollar startup with Bay Area ties calls Bellevue home.

• Upcoming Seattle Kraken match

• A deep-dive into the life of Theodore Roethke

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”

— Roy T. Bennett

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Seattle festival, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, takes place every June with parades, music, and community events?

A) Bumbershoot

B) Capitol Hill Block Party

C) Seattle Pride

D) Fremont Solstice Parade

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Seattle Central Library, known for its unique architecture, was designed by B) Rem Koolhaas.

News

💼 Business

Billion-dollar startup with Bay Area ties calls Bellevue home. (Link)

Latest feature planned for 2026 World Cup stretches more than 4 miles. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Caple: Ranking every Big Ten bowl game by interest level. (Link)

Former UW Huskies QB set to make first NFL start. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Seattle developer turns $15 million land deal into a $150 million project. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Ottawa Senators at Seattle Kraken
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Tuesday, Dec. 17th | (More info)

🏀 Washington State Cougars at Washington Huskies Men's Basketball
Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion, Seattle
Wednesday, Dec. 18th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Thievery Corporation
Showbox at the Market, Seattle
Monday, Dec. 16th | (More info)

🎶 Thievery Corporation
Showbox at the Market, Seattle
Wednesday, Dec. 18th | (More info)

Family

🎄 Enchanted Holidays
Hyatt Regency Seattle, 808 Howell Street, Seattle
Thursday, Dec. 19th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban winter wonderland in Seattle with ice architecture” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Seattle Historical Events

University of Washington Founded (1861) - Becoming a prominent public research university.

The University of Washington (UW), founded in 1861, is a distinguished institution located in the heart of Seattle, Washington. Its establishment predates Washington's statehood, illustrating its deep-rooted history and integral role in the region's development. Initially started as the Territorial University of Washington, it has grown from a small cohort of students to a world-renowned public research university. Serving as an educational beacon in the Pacific Northwest, UW has been committed to creating an environment of excellence in teaching, research, and public service.

Over the years, the University of Washington has emerged as a leading public research university, recognized globally for its contributions to various fields, including medicine, climate science, technology, and the arts. Its growth can be traced through its expansion both physically, with three campuses in Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma, and academically, with a vast array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. UW consistently secures its position among the top universities worldwide in research funding, attracting scholars and students from all over the globe. This influx of diverse intellects further enriches the university's vibrant community, encouraging innovation and discovery.

The University of Washington's commitment to public service and community engagement sets it apart as an institution that not only advances academic and research boundaries but also actively contributes to societal well-being. It has established a broad network of partnerships with local and global organizations, fostering a culture of collaboration that addresses complex social issues. As UW continues to grow and evolve, its dedication to creating a positive impact on the world remains a guiding principle, embodying the true spirit of a prominent public research university.

Famous People From Seattle

Theodore Roethke (1908–1963) - Pulitzer Prize-winning poet who taught at the University of Washington, influencing many poets and writers.

Theodore Roethke was a luminous figure in American poetry, whose profound and lyrical works left a lasting impact on the literary world. Best known for his intricate poems that draw from his personal experiences and connection to the natural world, Roethke’s career was a testament to his enduring passion for poetry and teaching.

Early Life and The Greenhouse Inspiration (1908-1925)

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, to a family of German immigrants, Theodore Roethke grew up in and around the greenhouses his father and uncle operated. This early immersion in the natural world would become a recurring theme and source of inspiration throughout his poetry, symbolizing growth, decay, and the cycle of life.

University Years and Early Works (1925–1935)

Roethke attended the University of Michigan, where he initially started in the law department before switching to literature, eventually obtaining a master's degree in English. His early poems during this period reflect his exploration of self and nature, laying the groundwork for his poetic voice.

Emergence as a Poet (1935–1941)

After graduation, Roethke drifted through several teaching positions before his poetry began to gain attention. His first book, Open House (1941), was critically acclaimed for its honesty and lyrical intensity, marking Roethke as an important emerging voice in American poetry.

Creative Breakthrough and Mental Health Struggles (1941–1950)

The 1940s were a tumultuous time for Roethke, marked by significant creative breakthroughs but also personal struggles. Roethke's mental health challenges, including bouts of depression and hospitalization, deeply influenced his work, leading to more introspective and emotionally charged poetry.

Publication of The Lost Son (1948)

In 1948, Roethke published The Lost Son and Other Poems, which represented a departure into more experimental verse. The collection introduced what would be known as his greenhouse poems, where he utilized greenhouse and garden imagery to explore themes of growth, transformation, and redemption.

Connection to Seattle and Teaching Career (1950s)

Roethke’s connection to Seattle began when he accepted a teaching position at the University of Washington in 1947. His tenure in Seattle was transformative; the city's lush landscapes inspired some of his most celebrated work. Roethke became a beloved figure, not just for his poetry but also for his dynamic teaching style and influence on a generation of poets, including Carolyn Kizer and David Wagoner.

Pulitzer Prize and Later Works (1950–1963)

The pinnacle of Roethke's career came with the publication of The Waking (1953), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. His subsequent works, including Words for the Wind (1958) and The Far Field (1964, posthumously), further solidified his reputation as one of the most important American poets of the 20th century, grappling with existential questions and the complexities of the human psyche.

Innovation and Influence (Throughout Career)

Roethke’s innovations in form and technique, particularly his use of the greenhouse as a metaphor for introspection and psychological exploration, left a profound impact on American poetry. His work is characterized by a deep empathy for the natural world and a relentless interrogation of the self.

Legacy and Reverence (1963 and Beyond)

Theodore Roethke passed away in 1963, but his legacy endures. His influence on American poetry is immeasurable, not just through his own works but also through his mentorship of future poets. Roethke's poetry continues to be celebrated for its lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and technical mastery.

Key Achievements of Theodore Roethke:

• Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for The Waking

• Renowned for his teaching career at the University of Washington, influencing a generation of poets

• Published several critically acclaimed poetry collections, including The Lost Son and Other Poems and Words for the Wind.

• Contribution to American poetry through innovative uses of form and an unprecedented introspective focus

• Posthumously awarded the National Book Award for The Far Field.

Theodore Roethke’s story is one of profound lyricism combined with a tumultuous personal life that deeply influenced his work. His ability to draw from his experiences and surroundings, transforming them into universal explorations of life, death, and rebirth, remains unmatched. Roethke's enduring legacy lies in his poetic contributions and his role as a beloved educator, shaping the future of American poetry.

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